Winter is Coming | Game of Thrones: The Beer, The Party Come to Orlando

By Ken Storey

One of the hottest shows on TV continues to be HBO's Game of Thrones.  The fantasy drama, based on George R.R. Martin’s novel series A Song of Ice and Fire, centers around the advent of winter in a medieval era continent that has experienced a decade of summer.  Now with the advent of a winter that could possibly last a lifetime the struggle for the Iron Throne has begun.

Season 3 of the epic award winning show begins on March 31, 2013 on HBO.  The popularity of the show has spanned hundreds cross marketing opportunities.  Ommegang Brewery released a special limited edition Game of Thrones themed Iron Throne Blonde Ale, the first of four brews that the brewery plans to release in conjunction with the television show.  The beer is a bit pricey ($8.50 or so for a 750ml) but the ABV of 6.5% which gives it a bit more of punch that your average blonde.

If you’re interested in checking out the new ale while catching the season premier make sure to check out of one of the official viewing parties.  Hammerheads Bar (8526 Palm Parkway, Orlando, Fl 32836- In the same plaza as seemingly perpetual 'soon to open' Player 1 Bar and the Hooters visible from I-4) is hosting a Game of Thrones viewing party every Sunday starting with the season premier on March 31.  The event starts around 8p (the show premiers at 9p) and goes till the end of the show around 10p.  The new ale is on tap and they will have plenty of fans, including the staff, watching the show.  For those interested in catching up make sure to check out the bars facebook as they will be airing old episodes leading up to the premier.  The bar hosts one of its two weekly ladies nights afterwards.  That party  will ramp up soon after the Viewing Party cools down. 

So you have just a little more time to get caught up and ready for one of the most anticipated television premiers of the year.